News
Surrey Chambers of Commerce launches new Community Fund
Businesses in Surrey now have an easy way to manage their corporate social responsibility thanks to a unique new fund launched by Surrey Chambers of Commerce in partnership with the Community Foundation for Surrey. The ‘Surrey Chambers of Commerce Community Fund’, which was launched at the Chambers’ Annual Lunch at Loseley House, will enable companies to support a variety of local charitable causes by making a simple annual donation to the new collective Fund. By pooling corporate giving in this way, the Fund will not only be able to have a bigger impact throughout county, but also support businesses by taking away the administrative burden.The Fund will be managed by the Community Foundation for Surrey, experts in local giving. The Foundation’s commissioned report, ‘Hidden Surrey’ by Dr Helen Bowcock, shows the surprising depth of social disadvantage in Surrey. The report, based on extensive research and consultation with voluntary and community groups, highlights the need for more support for local communities. Grants from the pooled Fund will be awarded to local projects with a focus on those that support people to retrain or gain employment, build capacity and skill within the community and improve facilities and services for young people to help enhance their skills, confidence and business awareness.
Two charities supporting young people to learn new skills were the delighted first recipients of a grant award from the Fund. GASP Motor Project in Gomshall, trains disaffected youngsters in motor mechanics and received funding to help them purchase a new Quad Bike which was on show at the launch. Skillway in Godalming works with teenagers who have been identified by their schools as being vulnerable due to lack of success in academic work. They learn practical skills which help them with future job prospects and, as importantly, gain tremendous self-esteem and confidence from their involvement.
Chief Executive, Louise Punter says, “This is a fantastic way for businesses in Surrey to manage corporate social responsibility efficiently with minimal effort. We all know how busy local businesses are; by taking away the administration and assessment of individual charitable requests businesses can get on with what they do best and be assured that they are also making an effective contribution to their local community. By working together the business community can make a stronger and more effective impact on our local communities and help improve the business environment at the same time.”
She continues, “We’d like to thank our founding business partners on this Fund – George Weil and Sons, AJ Bennewiths, Memset, Watson Associates and Ramsac. Their contributions have enabled us to make our first grant awards and we are looking forward to welcoming more companies on board to support many more worthwhile projects.”
Business partner, Ian Bowers of George Weil and Sons Ltd, says, “This really works for my business and gives a clear way to really support our local community with just one charitable contribution. Whilst the business is doing well I believe it is right to help support local people to become more able to work.”
These projects will be delivered by some of the many voluntary and community groups doing extraordinary work throughout the county. Wendy Varcoe, Executive Director of the Community Foundation for Surrey which manages the Fund, says, “We know that there are many businesses in the county that want to give locally, but don’t always have the time or know the best way of doing this. By creating this shared fund specifically for them, we can deliver grant funding to those who really need it. This is also a really rewarding way for business to get involved since we can show them the impact of their support and enable them to visit beneficiaries.”
To make a donation to the ‘Surrey Chambers of Commerce Community Fund’ call the Community Foundation for Surrey on 01483 409230 or visit www.communityfoundationsurrey.org.uk or www.surrey-chambers.co.uk.
Ends
6 June 2010